CHRONIC pain can take over your life if you let it, according to a support group president.
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Daphne Pollard was among Albury-Wodonga Chronic Pain Support Group members and past members at yesterday’s 20th anniversary luncheon at the Commercial Club, Albury.
“People that get chronic pain, it takes over their life,” she said.
“They become isolated and depressed and it affects your social life, family life and work life.
“They feel people don’t understand and run to doctor after doctor to try different medicines to get rid of the pain.”
But Mrs Pollard said people needed to learn to accept it and look at strategies to manage the pain and still live life.
“We are not a morbid and gloomy type of group, we actually share many jokes and have a great time together,” she said.
“When we do talk about chronic pain we share ideas and strategies that help us cope.
“We are the longest-running chronic pain support group in Australia.”
Guest speaker, Australian Pain Management Association chief, Elizabeth Carrigan, said there had been advancements in understanding pain.
“In the past three to four years medical scientists and geneticists have discovered the origins of chronic pain — it is in our DNA,” she said.
“It’s genetics, so for many, pain can be stronger.”
The group meets on the second Wednesday of each month at Harry’s Hut, Brown’s Lagoon, Olive Street, South Albury, from 1.30pm.